Diversity for the University of Bonn
Institutional anchoring of diversity is a task for the entire University community, spanning all areas of research, instruction and administration in equal measure. The overarching goal is to provide systematic support to all persons in reaching their full potential, to promote educational justice and excellence, to initiate changes to structural frameworks and to achieve equal opportunity. For the members of the University of Bonn community, this means that participation, recognition and estimation must all be concrete guiding principles in structural change.
Positive interaction with and recognition of diversity is itself a creative, formative process whose self-understanding extends far beyond the sum of its various measures. This process requires participation from the entire University and all active within it, and in particular requires close cooperation between the management and operative levels. The Rectorate and institutions of the University of Bonn are supported in this effort by the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity in...
Studying
The University of Bonn wants to promote equal opportunities especially in studies and for students. Therefore, the University has set itself the goal of recognizing, valuing and promoting the individuality of each student.
Research and Teaching
Diversity-sensitive structures promote equal opportunities. Both are essential for successful teaching, successful and barrier-free studying, and for excellent and innovative research.
Management and Administration
The promotion of advanced training, good working conditions, reliable career prospects and demand-oriented services are tasks which the University of Bonn wants to prioritize.
“Everyone Benefits”
Prof. Dr. Irmgard Förster and Anna Hollstegge talk about diversity in a university context and the work of the Diversity Unit.
Interview with forsch
The interview as a pdf and more articles on diversity can be found in the forsch 2022/02.
Reference Framework for Gender Equality
The University of Bonn has issued a reference gramework for gender equality for 2022-2026, which defines the goals of the entire university. This, as well as all equality plans of the faculties, the central institutions and the administration, can be viewed here.
Diversity Audit
The University of Bonn explicitly acknowledges its obligation, as anchored in § 3 of the state Higher Education Act, to engage in sufficient measures to promote diversity among the University of Bonn community and to implement suitable structures and adequate framework conditions. The ultimate goal is to dismantle barriers and prejudices and to identify, nurture and strengthen untapped potential. One important step on this path, beyond the signing of the Charter of Diversity, is participation in the Diversity Audit by the Association of Sponsors of German Arts and Science (Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft).
By signing the “Charter of Diversity”, the University is acknowledging its responsibility to pursue equal opportunity. This is affirmed as a decisive condition for successful teaching and research, and as such is integrated as a fundamental management and cross-disciplinary task.
The Charter of Diversity reads:
Diversity as a Chance – The Corporate Charter of Diversity for Germany
The diversity of modern society, influenced by globalization and reflected in demographic changes, is affecting economic life in Germany. We have come to realize that we can only be successful economically if we acknowledge and leverage the existing diversity. That includes the diversity of our workforces and the diverse needs of our customers and other business partners. Diverse competencies and talents on the part of staff open new opportunities for innovative and creative solutions.
The implementation of the Charter of Diversity in our organization aims at creating a work environment free of prejudice. We deeply respect all colleagues irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic background, religion or worldview, disability, age, and sexual preference and identity. [...]
In the framework of this Charter we are committed to
- fostering a corporate culture characterized by mutual respect and appreciation of every single individual. We seek to create conditions such that everyone (superiors and co-workers) respects, practices and acknowledges these values. This will require explicit support from leaders and superiors.
- validating and ensuring that our human resource processes are compatible with the diverse competencies, abilities and talents of our employees, as well as with our own performance standards.
- recognizing the diversity of society inside and outside our organization, appreciating the intrinsic potential residing in it [...]
- ensuring that the implementation of the Charter will be a subject of internal and external communication.
- publicizing on an annual basis our own activities and progress in promoting diversity.
- keeping our own employees and colleagues informed about diversity and actively involved in implementing the Charter.
We are definitely convinced that practicing and appreciating diversity will have a positive impact on German society.
Additional information about the Charta der Vielfalt e.V. association can be found here.
See also
News and Events
All current projects of the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit, as well as diversity-related events.
The Vice Rectorate
Since 2021 Prof. Dr. Irmgard Förster is Vice Rector for Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
STEP Program
The program offers financial support to female researchers at the University of Bonn.